Air Freight Manager: Growth, Ops & Compliance

DSV; Gqeberha; On-site; ZAR 700,000 - 1,100,000; Full time

Job summary

DSV is seeking an Air Freight Manager in South Africa to lead, develop, and grow the air freight product within DSV Air & Sea. You will oversee end-to-end operations, ensure compliance, and drive commercial growth to meet regional targets.

The role requires 5+ years in Forwarding & Clearing, managerial experience, and strong leadership to manage a client portfolio and a team in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in Forwarding & Clearing.
• Managerial experience (advantagous).
• Must have knowledge of import air processes and basic understanding of air export processes
• Person must be organized and be able to manage a portfolio of clients / team of individuals
• Self-Motivated and deadline driven
• Able to work under pressure
• Communicate effectively with local colleagues and clients
• Team player with positive attitude
• Process Driven
• P&L Management Experience advantageous

Responsibilities

• Oversee end-to-end air freight operations, ensuring on-time, cost-effective, and compliant service delivery.
• Ensure adherence to DSV global SOPs, local regulatory requirements, and airline policies.
• Monitor shipment execution, exception handling, and service recovery to maintain high service levels.
• Drive continuous improvement in processes, productivity, and operational efficiency.
• Ensure accurate and timely documentation, billing, and data integrity within CargoWise and related systems.
• Drive air freight gross profit growth aligned with branch and regional targets.
• Support the sales team with airfreight product expertise, pricing strategies, and customer solutions.
• Participate in key account management, customer meetings, tenders, and RFQs.
• Analyse trade lanes, capacity, and yield to optimise buying and selling rates.
• Strengthen airline relationships to secure space, competitive rates, and priority uplift.
• Manage air freight P&L performance, focusing on yield, cost control, and profitability.
• Prepare and manage budgets, forecasts, and KPIs for the air freight product.
• Monitor shipment margins, productivity metrics, and cost drivers, taking corrective action where required.
• Ensure compliance with DSV financial policies, including accruals and WIP management.
• Lead, coach, and develop the air freight team to deliver high performance and engagement.
• Drive a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous learning.
• Ensure adequate staffing, training, and succession planning.
• Conduct performance reviews, goal setting, and skills development in line with DSV standards

Skills

Air freight management

Managerial experience

Import air processes

Client portfolio management

Deadline driven

Work under pressure

Communication

Team player

Process driven

P&L awareness

Education

Logistics or Supply Chain qualification

Tools

CargoWise

MS Office 365

Job description

DSV is seeking an Air Freight Manager in South Africa to lead, develop, and grow the air freight product within DSV Air & Sea. You will oversee end-to-end operations, ensure compliance, and drive commercial growth to meet regional targets.

The role requires 5+ years in Forwarding & Clearing, managerial experience, and strong leadership to manage a client portfolio and a team in a dynamic environment.